sesame

[ ses-uh-mee ]

noun

1. a tropical, herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, whose small oval seeds are edible and yield an oil.
2. the seeds themselves, used to add flavor to bread, crackers, etc.
3. open sesame.

sesame

/ ˈsɛsəmɪ /

noun

1. a tropical herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, of the East Indies, cultivated, esp in India, for its small oval seeds: family Pedaliaceae
2. the seeds of this plant, used in flavouring bread and yielding an edible oil ( benne oil or gingili )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

1400–50; < Greek sēsámē sesame plant ≪ Akkadian shamashshammū, derived from shaman shammī plant oil; replacing sesam, late Middle English sysane < Latin sēsamum < Greek sḗsamon sesame seed

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

C15: from Latin sēsamum, from Greek sēsamon, sēsamē, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic simsim

Example Sentences

The concoction was flavored with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice and grapes, which were commonly used to make the beverage look like blood.

From Science Daily

Dolan’s office said the cardinal was “pretty traditional” and enjoys a sesame bagel with cream cheese.

From Los Angeles Times

It comes after social media influencers in the small Nordic country began sharing a salad recipe of grated cucumbers, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar and chilli oil.

From BBC

And then I just chop up some shallots, do some black sesame seed and mix the Fly by Jing sauce in.

From New York Times

Light sesame oil is typically used as a neutral cooking oil, while the toasted type is used to flavour sauces.

From Salon